Matt’s Off Road Recovery

Matt is super nice. I sometimes think he should say more after a recover than he does.

A couple of my favorites:
Ford and Jeep join forces to save Thanksgiving reboot!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcRPPxBZRmk&t=442s

Tire chains, and a winch? Ford F-150 recovered the old way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9OvSk8NL9A

 

I sure did! The kid learnt a new trick. Haha. I have my big rig license and have driven many different 10-18 speed trucks and would occasionally float the gears on some of the trucks. I haven't had to do it in a "normal" car or truck. Personally, I like to double clutch. You press the clutch lightly(1/4 of the way down) to break torque so I your not "breaking your knees". It's the proper way to drive those things. I don't big rig drive trucks much anymore. I worked on high voltage powerlines in some pretty gnarly terrain. All 6 wheels had chains on, full axle and wheel lockers in the back and as much momentum as you could get. If we got stuck or had some really steep/muddy/snowy hills to climb (45 degree hills with barely enough room for the truck at times) we'd have an excavator or bulldozer pull us up. I put a bucket truck on it's side once. The embankment gave out and I went for a ride. Luckily I didn't have far to go and didn't get hurt. The truck was totaled though.

 

That's how I learnt. The "veteran" linemen I worked with didn't know how to drive using the clutch. I went to do my test and failed because I didn't use the clutch once after I started in 3rd. Haha! The woman said I drove like a cowboy and made me take driving courses in order to get my license. I learnt how to double clutch and just drove like that all the time. I don't drive trucks anymore, occasionally my buddy's 1984 Mack dump truck. That thing is awesome. 15 speed. 5 speeds in reverse if I recall correctly.

 

Love this channel on YT. I’ve gained a lot of recovery knowledge just watching his techniques.
I don’t think he is just a tow truck driver who bought a Jeep. He definitely knows the area very well!

Dude drives out most of the cars people think are stuck.

 

I'm just shocked that Jeep has been able to pull out some big vehicles. I knew they had a lot of torque but pulling a RV was ridiculous.

 

Recovery is 99% thinking and 1% working. If stuck STOP. Look at things from every angle and then think it through. Not just the first step but a complete plan, including what to do when it doesn't work, cuz lots of times it won't so you start thinking again not working harder.

 

That’s the beauty of a kinetic rope.

 

I don’t think torque is the key here. It’s momentum combined with an elastic rope.

 

This has been my favorite YouTube channel for the last month. I like that that he does everything low tech, cost effective, simple and straightforward. He does not resort to any high speed low drag gimmicks. He does not rock any expensive bling on his rig. He just needs to get the job done. In my opinion he debunks a lot of "recovery" myths out there that have all of us overweight and over budget for the type of use we actually see as weekend warriors. He has a few episodes where he explains the gear he uses and why he choses a cherokee. At the end of the day it's about the business bottom line and efficiency while still being smart and safe.

 

What are some basic recovery things I would need for a stock taco? I have a recovery strap, but am unsure where I would attach it to. Maybe I need one of those chain things he uses on most small car's factory tow hooks? Shackles, if thats what theyre called? I have a folding traction board, deff need to upgrade to a real set for Colorado mud and snow (been caught in snow before, wasn't too fun in my jetta). I have a small folding shovel that will probably break the second or third time.

 

Remember any of the episodes that he talks about why he chose a Cherokee? I was always kind of curious about that. Obviously low cost and ease of finding parts is probably up there, but the unibody construction leaves a lot to be desired (assuming he doesnt have chassis stiffeners). I have an XJ sitting in the driveway and love it but would probably have chosen something with body on frame for the job that he does.

 

His rig is a beast. I'll try to find the episode where he explains it. But you are basically right. The in-line 6 in that thing is pretty reliable and easy/cheap to fix. I think he said he could replace the rig for under $5k. Minimum electronic gadgets. No comforts. Great Aftermarket support. Used ones everywhere. And he doesn't care about it/ get attached to it. So from a business perspective it's better than buying a high value "collectible" 4x4 that might be a small % better in some aspects.

 

I think others on here can add to the list but this is what I would recommend to get started.

$11 Wells Lamont mens Leather Work Gloves with Wrist Closure DIY Yardwork Construction Motorcycle Large Wells Lamont, Saddletan, Large Pack of 1 US

https://www.amazon.com/Leather-Adju...keywords=leather+gloves&qid=1593143076&sr=8-4

$34 Shackle Hitch Receiver 2", 41918 Lbs Break Strength Never Rust Receiver Shackle Bracket Heavy Duty and Solid with 3/4'' D Ring Shackle, Towing Accessories Compatible with Trucks Jeeps

https://www.amazon.com/LIBERRWAY-Sh...=tacoma+front+tow+hitch&qid=1593143336&sr=8-8

https://www.amazon.com/Rhino-USA-Re...=1593142806&sprefix=tree+saver,aps,262&sr=8-6

$36 RHINO USA Recovery Tow Strap 3" x 20ft - Lab Tested 31518lb Break Strength - Heavy Duty Draw String Bag Included - Triple Reinforced Loop End to Ensure Peace of Mind - Emergency Off Road Towing Rope

https://www.amazon.com/RHINO-USA-Re...ld=1&keywords=tow+strap&qid=1593142864&sr=8-6

$30 ZAMLIE Soft Shackle Recovery, 1/2" X 22" Soft Shackle (58000 LBS Breaking Strength) with Protective Sleeve for Off-Road Sailing Trucks, 4x4，UTV, ATV(Black, 2 Pack Soft Shackle)

https://www.amazon.com/Synthetic-Br...id=1593142905&sprefix=soft+sha,aps,293&sr=8-9

$18 REDCAMP 22.8’‘ Military Folding Camping Shovel，High Carbon Steel Entrenching Tool Tri-fold Handle Shovel with Cover，Green 2.5lbs

https://www.amazon.com/REDCAMP-Military-Shovel，High-Entrenching-Cover，Green/dp/B07GVGN3C4/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=folding+shovel&qid=1593142966&sr=8-5


If you plan on going solo (not recommended until you have more experience)

$260 MAXTRAX MKII Safety Orange Vehicle Recovery Board

https://www.amazon.com/Maxtrax-MTX0...qid=1593143002&sprefix=maxtrax,aps,266&sr=8-3

$60 ECOTRIC 10x 4 1/2 Cradle Winch Mount Mounting Plate 8000-13000 Lb Capacity Winch Mounting Hitch Receiver Recovery Winches Foldable

https://www.amazon.com/ECOTRIC-Moun...3143227&sprefix=whinch+cradle=,aps,305&sr=8-2

X-BULL Winch-13000 lb. Load Capacity Electric Winch Kit 12V Synthetic Rope,Waterproof IP67 Electric Winch with Hawse Fairlead

https://www.amazon.com/X-BULL-Water...d=1&keywords=winch&qid=1593143252&sr=8-8&th=1

$113 2 Gauge 32 ft. Hi-Amp Universal Quick-Connect Wiring Kit for Trailer Mounted Winch

https://www.amazon.com/cableado-universal-conexión-amperios-cabestrante/dp/B0722J4ZQR/ref=sr_1_3?crid=IBQC5C0JULO6&dchild=1&keywords=winch+wiring+kit&qid=1593143700&sprefix=winch+wireing+kit%2Caps%2C228&sr=8-3#customerReviews

$214 CURT 31075 2" Front Receiver Hitch, Select Toyota Tacoma

https://www.amazon.com/CURT-31075-2...=tacoma+front+tow+hitch&qid=1593143315&sr=8-5

ORCISH 10 Ton Snatch Block, 22000 LBS Capacity Block and Tackle Pulley System, Pulleys for Rope, Winch Hook Accessories, Heavy Duty Offroad Recovery Accessory for Truck, Tractor, ATV & UTV

https://www.amazon.com/ORCISH-Recov...593143396&sprefix=pulley+block,aps,285&sr=8-3

I'm sure I'm missing some items and others can chime in. But most important is to learn how to use all this stuff. Get out and practice.

Also, the winch on a cradle is nice in my opinion but you can get it permanently mounted on a bumper instead. But if you are alone it would be hard to pull yourself out in the opposite direction of where you mount the winch. Alternately to the winche I've seen some gadgets out there that seem to be good in theory but I have never personally used them. For example this thing https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIrN_LagqolLlAa8SdE6R4A
I can see my self successfully using this thing but you definitely need to know how to use it and it looks it could turn into a pain in the ass. The advantage is cost savings (compared to a winch and bumper) and space and weight savings.

You probably don't need the second part of this list. The first part is a good start.

Edit: winch on a cradle setup incase you are wondering https://youtu.be/ZwTwRqUuFUU

 

Also he usually airs down to like 9 psi. Drives around like it’s nothing cause he isn’t driving like a jackass.

Matt definitely has a vast knowledge of off-road driving, not just recovery.

It feels good to know that if I am ever out wheeling in southern Utah and get broken down or stuck beyond my own recovery means that his services are just a call away.

he also made a great point about the cost of his rig....that he can afford to lose 5k on a rig cause it’s just a Jeep really and cost efficient. It’s not a 12 ton 75k wrecker or hook truck that he is risking messing up out in the dunes.

 

Not the same YT channel, but it does feature Matt in this video:

 

Re: the shovel. Get a full length shovel. Entrenching tools will work you to death. A D handle shovel is a compromise. Believe me if you need to shovel much dirt or sand you'll really appreciate the long handle.

 

thanks for the recommendations. i'm not sure if ill need a winch and stuff until i'm more experienced, but the shackles, tree saver, and traction board are top of my list.

 

Yep! I just picked up a full length shovel and it is so much nicer to have than a e tool or short shovel. If push comes to shove, I can saw it to length to get under a vehicle, but I don’t foresee that happening.

 

I’ve learned a good bit from Matt’s Channel and thoroughly enjoy it. It’s definitely inspired me to simplify my recovery gear. I have an ARB snatch strap that I’m getting ready to retire. Matt has me very seriously considering a Yankum Rope, although I do like the way the snatch strap stores a lot better than the rope.

 

I carry two e tools to save space in the bed. I'll make the wife help me. I also have the two matrax that dig pretty well in sand and snow. I can have 4 people digging and it doesn't take up much space. I used to carry a full size shovel and axe until I realized I used them once in 13 years! So I switched.